The Head of State, William Ruto, is set to attend the 22nd Summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)Heads of State and Government in Zambia’s Capital, Lusaka, on Thursday.
Leaders from diverse nations will gather at the summit to discuss issues of peace and security as well as the level of integration in the COMESA area.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed confirmed President Ruto's presence in a statement that emphasised the importance of the conference.
This year's conference is titled "Economic Integration for a Thriving COMESA Anchored on Green Investment, Value Addition, and Tourism."
The necessity to address current regional and global economic and trade dynamics, notably the consequences of COVID-19, which particularly impacted nations dependent on tourism, led to the selection of this theme.
“Besides, the current geo-politics that continue to affect global supply chains, such as the conflict in Eastern Europe, high debt burdens and extreme weather conditions among others continue to weigh heavily on regional economies,” COMESA says.
According to COMESA, the theme was designed to rally its Member States on key areas of focus in dealing with various challenges to ensure the COMESA regional integration agenda remains on track.
The host government jointly develops the COMESA Theme with the COMESA Secretariat.
“It therefore reflects the focus of the incoming chair of the Summit during his/her tenure,” COMESA states.
The summit brings together the Heads of State or Government of the Member States and is officially referred to as The Authority.
